US Visa Processing Dates May 2025

On: Monday, April 21, 2025 6:50 AM

If you are planning to settle in the US or want to sponsor a family member or employee, then the “May 2025 Visa Bulletin” is a very important document for you. It is issued every month by the US Department of State and it tells which visa category dates are now “current”. That is, your file will now be considered ready for processing.

In this article, let us understand this bulletin in simple language – like what changes have happened in which category, which dates are current, and what should be your next step.

What is a visa bulletin and why is it important?

When you begin the U.S. green card process by filing Form I-130 (family-based) or Form I-140 (employment-based), you are assigned a “priority date.” This date determines where you stand in the visa queue.

The May 2025 Visa Bulletin provides two charts:

Final Action Date – If your priority date is before this date, your green card application can be processed.
Date for Filing – If your priority date is before this date, you can file your documents. However, the final decision will still be based on the final action date.

Family-based visa categories – dates for India (May 2025)

Category	Final Action Date	Date for Filing	For whom
F1	15 March 2016	1 September 2017	Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens
F2A	1 January 2022	1 February 2025	Spouses and minor children of permanent residents
F2B	22 July 2016	1 January 2017	Adult unmarried children of permanent residents
F3	1 April 2011	22 July 2012	Married sons and daughters of US citizens
F4	15 June 2006	1 October 2006	Siblings of US citizens

You may have to wait longer in these categories. For example, Indian citizens have to wait for about 18-19 years in F4. So the sooner you apply, the better.

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Employment-Based (EB) Visa Categories – Dates for India

Category	Final Action Date	Date for Filing	For
EB-1	February 15, 2022	April 15, 2022	Highly qualified professionals, such as researchers, executives
EB-2	January 1, 2013	February 1, 2013	Professionals with a master’s degree or above
EB-3	April 15, 2013	June 8, 2013	Skilled workers and professionals
EB-4	Not available	February 1, 2021	Religious servants and special immigrants
EB-5 (Unreserved)	May 1, 2019	April 1, 2022	Investors (Non-Set-Aside)
EB-5 (Set-Asides)	Current	Current	Rural, high unemployment or infrastructure investors

Let’s understand with an example – where do you stand?

Suppose you are an Indian software engineer and your EB-2 I-140 petition was filed on May 20, 2013. Now in the May 2025 bulletin, the Final Action Date for EB-2 is January 1, 2013, and the Date for Filing is February 1, 2013.

Your date is a little behind both of these, so you have to wait a little longer. Perhaps by next month your filing date will become current and you can proceed.

Status of National Visa Center (NVC)

As of May 2025, NVC is processing cases that were received from USCIS by April 1, 2025. That means if your file was transferred from USCIS to NVC in early April, then processing may start soon.

How to avoid delay in visa processing?

Double check documents – make sure there is no mistake.
Respond quickly to RFEs – Respond timely when you receive a Request for Evidence.
Keep your address and contacts updated – so that you don’t miss any mail.
Take the help of a qualified immigration lawyer – you will avoid mistakes.
Check the visa bulletin every month – so that you don’t miss any update.

Policy trends and future prospects

FY 2025 (Financial Year) is in full swing right now, and it is expected that more improvements will be seen in the summer months. Especially if any new law comes regarding immigration reform in the US, then categories like EB-2 and EB-3 may see a boom.

EB-4 has become “Unavailable” right now, because the annual limit of this category has been completed. Now new visas will start being given in it only from October 2025 i.e. in the new financial year.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the priority date?

This is the date when USCIS received your I-130 or I-140 form. This date determines where you stand in the queue.

2. Where will I get my priority date?

This date is given on your Form I-797 (Receipt Notice).

3. What is the difference between Final Action Date and Date for Filing?

Final Action Date is when your visa can be approved and you can get a green card.
You can send documents on Date for Filing, but final approval is done only on Final Action.

4. What happens if my date becomes current?

NVC will call you to submit documents or give you an interview date if you are under consular processing.

5. Why is EB-4 “Unavailable”?

This means that the number of visas that can be issued in a year for this category has been exhausted.

6. Can I upgrade from F2B to F1 if parent becomes a citizen?

Yes, if your parents become US citizens, you must inform USCIS or NVC immediately so that your case can be upgraded to F1.

7. Where can I see the Visa Bulletin?

Monthly update is available on travel.state.gov.

Conclusion

Reading the visa bulletin may seem a bit technical, but if you start understanding it, you will start getting a clear picture of your immigration process. The May 2025 bulletin shows that improvements are gradually taking place, especially in categories like EB-3 and F2A.

If you are still in the queue, there is no need to panic. It is important that you stay updated, submit documents on time and take professional advice.